I do a lot of CSM (Alaskan mill from Bailey's, 66" double end bar) of old growth redwood, which is pretty easy to saw. I generally run two powerheads, Stihl 044's. I try to set it up so that the chain is cutting slightly biased with the grain, so it's closer to a ripping "curly fries" type cut instead of an end grain powder cut. If running a single powerhead this would be awkward because you'd have to have the nose of the bar leading cutting with the bottom of the bar, or dragging the nose behind and saw with the top of the bar. If you had a double end bar with a stinger handle and a helper you could make it work.
How much does it gain me? Are my cuts better, smoother, faster? I don't know, but I feel better, knowing my chain is not engaging the end grain or trying to fray my way against the grain.